🔗 Share this article

The English main batsmen chose to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a comprehensive defeat in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England lost in under 48 hours in Perth, creating an extended break before the upcoming day-night Test in Queensland.

This gap presented the possibility for players to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball match against a invitational side in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, only fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batsman Jacob Bethell – none of whom played in the Perth match – will travel and link up with the development squad.

Sources suggest that none of the Perth XI requested to participate in the Canberra match.

Ex- English Player Describes Move "Unusual"

When we heard the team thought about sending squad members to the capital for the England Lions match, we assumed they would send those in need of match time.

Ex- England paceman and chief cricket commentator added:

The team must take charge of their preparation and how they perform on the field. They are responsible for doing everything possible of winning the Ashes. The real test comes in the eating.

Missed Chance for Day-Night Experience

The fixture against the Prime Minister's XI has long been customary for visiting teams to Australia.

England participated in the game in past series in Australia, but it was not from their plans this time because of a possible tight turnaround to the next Test if the first match had lasted the full duration.

The flight from Perth to the capital requires just under 240 minutes, with a further two-hour journey from the capital and Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Ashes Test since 1921 – the idea of sending at least the batsmen to the capital appeared to be logical.

Batting Struggles in First Test

• England were bowled out twice in Perth in under 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England survived so few deliveries in a defeat in a Test match.
• Both the skipper and former captain Joe Root didn't make 10 runs in either innings.
• The opener was one of just four England opener to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

The side played only one warm-up match prior to the Perth match, so the fixture in Canberra would have provided valuable batting practice.

Uncommon Day-Night Test Coming Up

In addition, the development game would have offered experience using the day-night ball, as the team set to face a unusual day-night Test.

The tourists have lost five of their 7 prior pink-ball Tests, while Australia triumphed in thirteen from 14.

With a key bowler, who took 10 wickets in Perth, Australia boast the best day-night specialist in the game.

Of England's probable XI in Brisbane, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and pace bowler another have never played a first-class match using a day-night ball, and Brydon Carse has just a single appearance.

Team Management Stance

Asked following the first Test whether the team would alter their plans and dispatch players to the capital, captain Ben Stokes remained firm in refusing.

This question has come up a lot, that was the method in the past. We prepare incredibly well and work incredibly hard every day we get the opportunity.

Head coach Brendon McCullum appeared to suggest flexibility when he stated:

We need to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to any position currently, but we'll work it out soon.

The coach added that he was "confident" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Concerns from Ex-Skipper

Speaking on Saturday, ex-skipper Michael Vaughan stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to participate in Canberra.

What harm is it playing 48 hours of the game with the pink ball under lights?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they might get a little bit better?

The approach I'd take would be, there's a day-night two-day game, you go and grab it, go and take it, participate fully and provide yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland midweek and are not scheduled to train until Monday. Exists the possibility of an extra practice on Sunday.